William E. Staton

William E. Staton, 81, North Manchester passed away December 22, 2019 at his residence. William was born January 4, 1938 in Owingsville, Kentucky to Russel and Mary Alice (Withrow) Van Buren. When William was four, his father passed away and was then raised by Ewell “Duke” Purvis.

At an early age, William found the value of hard work. After the 8th grade, William was forced to quit school and work in the tobacco fields to help and provide for his family. This is a lesson he took on to when he had a family of his own and did the same for them. On March 26, 1958, he married Betty L. Purvis. After 48 years of marriage, Betty passed away on April 29, 2006. When his wife fell ill, he spent many years giving amazing care to her, making it possible for her to stay home. In 2001, William retired from the Manchester Foundry after 27 years of service. This past Thanksgiving, he was extremely happy to be able to spend it with his family. William enjoyed river fishing and his two dogs, Dakota and Red known as “The Girls.” His family made the effort and repaid the kindness and love that he once showed so be able to stay at home during his declining health.

The loving memory of William E. Staton will be forever cherished by his sons, Burnie (Val) Staton and Wayne (Luci) Staton both of North Manchester; two daughters, Nola (Tim) Hudson, Warsaw, Indiana and Iva “Moe” (John) Hedrick, Rochester, Indiana; two brothers, Herman (Louise) Staton, Fulton County, Indiana, Kenny (Judy) Purvis, Ocala, Florida; one sister, Anna Francis Goldy, Carlisle, Kentucky; fifteen grandchildren and twenty-eight great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one daughter, Phyllis Kay Shideler passed away in 1997, three brothers, David Harrison Purvis, Ewell Gene Purvis, and Jimmy D. Purvis, one sister, Jeannie Sue Shepherd, one grandchild, Jarolyn Staton passed away in 2010, and one great grandchild, Emily Rose Clarkson.

Family and friends may call Thursday, December 26, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester. Funeral services will be held Friday, December 27, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. with calling beginning at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Ben Woodcox will officiate and burial will be held at Oaklawn Cemetery, 600 Beckley Street, North Manchester.

For those who wish to honor the memory of William Staton, memorial contributions may be made to Riley Children’s Foundation, 30 West Meridian Street, Suite 200, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204.

Arrangements are entrusted to McKee Mortuary.